Our Town: Coburg Newsletter March/April 2016

Our Town
March/April 2016 Issue
A Publication of The City of Coburg
Mayor’s Corner
Spring Growth
In This Issue
Ray Smith, Acting Mayor
Serenity Lane staff has already
As volunteers, the Councilors and
shown they will be an active and
Mayor must always prioritize our
beneficial part of our community. City Council Brief
Fence Design
personal lives and our jobs with
Coburg North (the old Monaco
Coburg Food Pantry
serving our community. Mayor
complex) will complete two
PAGE 3
Pudewell recognized that his job
more new buildings this year.
and personal life could no longer
Many new homes are being built
2015 Citizens of the Year
Rain Barrels
cope with the many hours he
throughout our town. There is
dedicated as Mayor to our fair
exciting potential for our small
town. He regrettably resigned
town as we recover from the
effective at the February Council
recession and see inevitable
meeting. Thank you, Jae, for
change and growth occur in our
your tireless dedication and skills
city.
during your eventful tenure.
As spring approaches, our Council
The daylight hours are getting
is moving forward with optimism
longer and early blooms signal
to try to deal with the many
that spring is just around the
issues in our city. Our finances are
corner. Time for new growth
stabilizing, but we still have some
and increased activity. Our City
work to do. We are being very
Council is experiencing a “spring
conservative with expenditures
growth” of its own. We have a
while continuing to provide the
newly appointed Councilor, Chris
services we all want. Our streets
Page, who brings the perspective
are an obvious concern and
of a younger generation to the
the Council is looking at ways
Council.
to generate revenue for street
Serenity Lane will have their
grand opening March 11. The
maintenance. Our staff works
diligently to deal with routine
Continued on page 10
PAGE 2
PAGE 4
Business Commute Challenge
Senior Meals Program
Historic Preservation Vacancy
PAGE 5
2015 Employee of the Year
Singing Creek Ctr Spring Break
City Council VacancY
PAGE 6
CCCS Bronco News
PAge 7
Norma Pfeiffer Park Update
Eagle Scout Daegen Becker
PAGE 8
CCCS Survey Link
CCCS Scholastic Book Fair
PAGE 9
Coburg United Methodist
PAGE 10
Mayor’s Corner (cont.)
Park/Tree Committee
PAGE 11
Calendar
City Council Brief
Highlights of actions and topics the Coburg City Council has recently addressed and issues
likely to be discussed in the next couple of months.
JA N UA RY 12T H
Approved Annual Fee Schedule Update Approved Resolution 2016-01 Applying a construction cost inflation factor to existing system development
charges.
Annual appointment of Park and Tree Committee Members
Appointed new Heritage Committee Member
F EBRUA RY 9T H
Jae Pudewell resigned as Coburg Mayor
Approved- Ordinance A-238 Establishing an assessment for court technology purpose on fines.
First Reading- Ordinance A-237 Adopting riparian and wetlands protections.
Approved Resolution 2016-02 Supplemental Budget
Arbor Day Proclamation
F EBRUA RY 23R D
Council Work Session to discuss new revenue options including consideration of an increase to the gas tax.
Design of Fences
Even though some types of development don’t require building
permits, there are City design standards. For example, front
yard fences may be no more than three and a half (3 ½) feet
high. Side and backyard fences may be six (6) feet high. No
chain link fences are allowed in front yards and picket-style
(e.g. picture on right) is the preferred type. Fences may not be
built on public property such as street right-of-way. If you have
any questions about fences (or any other building project) please contact the Planning Department 541-6827858 or planning@ci.coburg.or.us. We are here to help!
Coburg Food Pantry
The Coburg Food Pantry is open to all residents of Coburg who meet the
income guidelines. These guidelines are available at the pantry and on
Food for Lane County’s website. The pantry is open on the 2nd and 4th
Mondays of each month from 2:00-6:00pm. Call for more information:
Kathy Emerson 541-434-6404.
page 2 - 2016
2015 Coburg Citizens of the Year
Congratulations Cathy Emerson and Sharyl Abbaspour
Sharyl Abbaspour has at one time or another volunteered on nearly every organization and/or committee in Coburg. She is
a committed leader who is very engaging
and funny.
Cathy Emerson helped get the Food Pantry to
Coburg in 2007 and is now the Coordinator. She
has always had a passion to help those in need.
The pantry supports about 40 local families and is
operated by 100% volunteers--25 dedicated people.
Rain Barrels
Yes, Coburg water rates are ‘up there’. Economy of scale impacts our community
in many ways. Have you thought about rain barrels recently? There are so many
choices these days! And, there are many more benefits beyond saving money on
your water bill. Rainwater is better for your plants and soil. Rainwater is highly
oxygenated, free of the salts, inorganic ions, and fluoride compounds contained
in tap water that accumulate in the soil over time and
potentially harm plant roots. Use of rainwater in your
garden dilutes this impact, making plants more droughttolerant, healthy, and strong. The barrels reduce runoff pollution and help prevent
erosion. They also help control moisture levels around the foundations of your home
which is a common issue here.
Garden and lawn watering accounts for 40 percent of residential water use during the
summer, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A typical barrel can
save 1,300 gallons of water during the growing season!
page 3 - 2016
Challenge Your Commute and Join the
2016 Business Commute Challenge!
May 14-20
Join a friendly competition – workplace against workplace or household against household – to see who can walk, bike, bus, carpool, or
telework during the week of May 14-20. The workplace with the most participation wins (based on size). Individual participants can win too! The more you participate the bigger the prize you have a chance to win.
Whether you are a bus rider, you are thinking about bike commuting for the first time, or you want to have fun
with your co-workers…this Challenge is for you!
Visit commutechallenge.org to learn more, for a list of prizes and events, and to sign-up.
The 2016 Business Commute Challenge is an event coordinated by Point2point at Lane Transit District.
Coburg’s CAFÉ 60
Welcomes Older Adults
(age 60+, regardless of income or address)
Historic Preservation
Commission
Vacancy
For Lunch & Friendship
Noon on Wednesdays
Oddfellow’s Hall
91119 N. Willamette
Just drop-in!
City of Coburg is accepting applications for up to two (2)
Historic Preservation Commission positions.
Requirements:
Donations for the meal are appreciated.
www.laneseniormeals.org
or call 541-682-4378 for more information
Contact: Jeff Kernen, Planner
Phone: 541-682-7858
Email: jeff.kernen@ci.coburg.or.us
WWW.COBURGOREGON.ORG
•
Must be at least 18 years old
•
Demonstrate a positive interest in the Historic Preservation of Coburg
•
Preferred, but not required, that applicants have professional or
educational experience in the disciplines of: History, Architecture,
Archaeology, Planning, or other related fields.
The Position:
•
Voluntary, two & three-year terms
•
Will meet at least 4 times a year
Deadline: Wednesday, March 16, 2016
H ELP PRESERVE OUR H ISTORIC IDENTITY
page 4 - 2016
Congratulations Anne Heath
Singing Creek Center
2015 Coburg Employee of the Year Spring Break Camp:
Animal Stories and
Puppeteering for ages 7-10
Listen to some great animal stories from
different cultures and create shadow puppet play
characters. Make crafts and play games in our
pioneer style “homestead.” Some outside time
on our beautiful 100 acre farm including a pond.
Enjoy nature while learning about animals of the
Pacific Northwest like bear, frog, eagle, coyote and
more.
More information at www.singingcreekcenter.org
Anne is the City’s Finance Director (right)
and has been integral to the successful
management of the Finance Department.
Petra Schuetz, City Administrator (left)
presents this annual award to a deserving
staff member.
page 5 - 2016
City Council Vacancy
Are you interested in serving as a local elected
official? Contact Sammy Egbert, City Recorder,
541-682-7852 or email sammy.egbert@ci.coburg.
or.us for more information.
Bronco News March/April 2016
CCCS was fortunate to have the help of Oregon
Community Credit Union volunteers on their Day
of Service to help paint the gym. Many of you know
how old the facility is at CCCS. Transitioning from
Coburg school to CCCS, the building was never
updated and many quirks that made up Coburg
school still make up CCCS today.
In February on a no-school day, OCCU employees
volunteered to help paint the gym and give it a longneeded fresh coat of paint. The bottom of the gym
wall is now black to help reduce the scuff marks on
the walls and a fresh coat of white paint was added
on the upper part of the wall. The
painting of the gym is not completely
finished, but OCCU helped initiate the
process.
The remainder of the walls will be
painted white. A green stripe will go
between the black and white paint
tying the new school color green
together with the old high school color black. If you
get a chance to peek into the gym on your daily walk,
please do!
Skill Days, a program unique to CCCS that is
completely reliant on volunteers, wrapped up the end
of February. Skill Days occur twice a year, winter and
spring.
A BIG thank you to all the volunteers making Winter
Skill Days successful!
Bill Morach with Eugene Country Club, Jim Reid
with Eugene Country Club, Carrie DeGree with
Eugene Country Club, Ryan Thorburn with The
Register Guard, Janessa Bruce with JB Design,
Janel McPherson, Miriam Clark with Little Hands
Can, Mandi Vance with Little Hands Can, Dick
Flyn, Scott Leavengood with OSU, Tania Straub,
Diana Hollingshead, Erin Dickerson, Jaclyn Logan
page 6 - 2016
Colleen McGarvey, John Barry, Liz
Jaqua with Be Well Jazzercise, Jen
Hayworth with Hayworth Farms,
Darren Hayworth with Hayworth
Farms, Walt Jenkins, Margery Shedd,
Jean Vanderlinde, Mary Loftin, Erica
Piquette, Abigail Dowd, Debbie
Glessner with Be Well Jazzercise,
Sierra Dillon with Be Well Jazzercise,
Kate Hartley, Mary Mosier
CCCS is always looking for volunteers. If you
would like to volunteer at CCCS, please contact
Jen Kelley the community coordinator at j.kelley@
coburgcharter.org or call the school at 541-344-4113.
The annual auction went off with a bang in
February! Thank you to all the donors and
volunteers who helped make the 2016 auction one
to remember! The auction
is the largest fundraiser
for CCCS put on by the
parent group (PCS.)
Funds raised help pay
for curriculum, school
garden/ag program, safety
equipment and so much
more; making CCCS the
best place for learning to
occur.
What’s Happening at Norma Pfeiffer Park?
You may have noticed excavating in Norma Pfeiffer Park between the play structure and restrooms. This is the
new home of an additional play structure scheduled to be completed by Spring Break! The new structure is
aimed at ages 5 to 12 and features:
• 2,200 square feet
• Universal access with ADA access
ramp and ground level activities
• Replaces old tractor spring rocker
with a spin cup
• Focus on gross motor play skills
on several climbing and challenge
elements
• A historical and artful interpretive
sign describing the historic
significance of the train depot
theme design of the play ground
The new structure was made possible
by a generous grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The City is providing the required
match for the project which was planned with the assistance of the Coburg Park and Tree Committee and the
Heritage Committee.
Congratulations Eagle Scout Daegan Becker
Daegan Becker, who is a member of Troop 282 in Eugene, was
recently honored at an Eagle Court of Honor at the Coburg Fire
District on January 9th, 2016. Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is the
highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts.
Daegan is a member of the Coburg community, a sophomore at
Sheldon High School, and is the son of Suzanne Becker, and grandson
of Walt and Sharon Becker, all of Coburg. He joined Boy Scouts in
March of 2011 and has earned 44 merit badges. Daegan has received
the God and Church Award and the World Conservation Award. He
attended National Youth Leadership Training in the summer of 2013.
Daegan’s Eagle project consisted of planning and organizing the
planting of 15 trees at Camp Harlow in Eugene. The trees were
planted around the horse stables at the camp to provide shade for
the horses and the riders. In all, the project required 50 hours, and
Daegan directed 15-20 helpers. Daegan continues to be active in Troop 282 and looks forward to his next
adventure. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Daegan Becker!
page 7 - 2016
CCCS Survey Link
The atmosphere at CCCS is lively and fun! We love
Your feedback is important to us. Not only does
having residents come and share their expertise dur-
your opinion help us continue offering excellent
ing Skill Days and many
educational choices in
other times throughout the
Coburg, but it helps
year. Several of our activi-
us plan better ways
ties are open to everyone in
to partner with our
the Community and we
community. Thank you
welcome your attendance. for taking a few minutes
Watch our Reader Board and
of your time to go to the
website for announcements.
website and take our
Coburg Community Charter
short survey. You can
School would love to hear
find out more about our
from you as we plan for our future. We’ve set up a
school and programs on our website at www.
survey for you at http://goo.gl/forms/MVJfczNT3x
coburgcharter.org.
—CCCS Strategic Planning Committee
The CCCS Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to Town!
What:
Coburg Community Charter School will be hosting a “Groovy” Scholastic Book Fair from March 7 - 11th, with
morning and afternoon shop times. Funds raised from this 70’s themed event will help purchase books for the
school library and allow the school to cycle in new learning material. Families, faculty, and the community are
invited to attend this fun reading event that helps inspire children to become lifelong readers.
The Book Fair will feature a special Community “Bingo Night” including a snack and prizes such as toys and
Book Fair gift certificates on March 11th from 6 pm - 8 pm! When:
The Book Fair will be open in the mornings daily from 7:45 am - 8:15 am. In addition, Monday-Thursday we
will be open in the afternoon from 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm and Friday from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm.
More:
Unable to make it to the fair? No problem! You can shop from your office or home at http://bookfairs.
scholastic.com/homepage/coburgcommunitychartersch1 starting March 2nd through March 18th. All
purchases will help buy books for the CCCS library!
page 8 - 2016
Eight Months and Going Strong!
By Rev. Dr. Craig Pesti-Strobel
In addition to my ministerial and theater training,
I have also completed the two-year Academy for
It has been eight months since my wife, Susan, and
Spiritual Formation, and I returned to Graduate
I arrived in this, the southern end of the Willamette
School in 1992 to study for a Ph.D. in Performance
Valley, and I might say that we’ve settled in if it
Studies and Religious Studies. As some might say,
weren’t for a garage full of boxes still to unpack. Have
things are Piled High and Deep with me. I managed
you ever been in a similar situation? I’m not really
to graduate for the final time in 2001. As part of my
sure what it means to really be “settled in,” maybe it is
doctoral work I studied various religions of the world
more a state of mind than a state of uncluttered order.
in addition to the practices and methods of spiritual
I am the new pastor at the Coburg United Methodist
formation.
Church, the sky-blue church on the corner of Van
I have three daughters, two of whom have graduated
Duyn and Willamette here in Coburg. I follow the
from colleges in Oregon, and the youngest of whom is
Rev. Dr. Gary Powell who retired this last summer
planning on attending Willamette University this fall.
after serving here in Coburg for twelve years. His
My wife, Susan, currently is employed at T.J. Maxx.
were very big shoes to fill, and I know I can’t, so I
You can find her smiling face and cheery voice in the
think I will wear my own footwear instead.
fitting room or behind the jewelry counter.
I am new to Coburg, but not new to Oregon. I have
Because I also serve the Junction City United
deep roots in the Oregon Territory, including relatives
Methodist Church, we have adjusted our Sunday
who came to Medford in the mid-1800s and other
services here in Coburg to 9:00 in the morning, with
relatives who settled in Heppner and Lexington
an Adult Study at 10:30, and a Thursday Bible Study
(Morrow County) in the late 1800s. Another part of
at 10:00 as well. I am in the office on Tuesdays and
the family settled in northern Idaho in the late 1800s
Thursdays. Come by and say hello some time. I’m
and married into my Oregon ancestral family. Most of
enjoying getting to know people here. Who knows,
them were farmers and ranchers.
maybe you will be the next person I meet!
I grew up in Boise, Idaho, the oldest of eight sons,
Holy Week is coming up and you are invited to join
but moved to Oregon upon graduation from high
us in worship Palm Sunday, March 20 (9:00 am) as
school. After a short stint working with a minister
well as join us for a very meaningful Passover Seder
in John Day, Oregon, I followed in the wagon tracks
on Thursday, March 24th (beginning at 6:00 pm)
of my ancestors from a century before and traveled
and Good Friday at noon, March 25th. We are co-
to the Willamette Valley where I studied Theater
sponsoring with Countryside Church the Annual
and Biology at Willamette University in Salem. After
Easter Egg Hunt in the park on Saturday, and then
attending seminary at Yale and Pacific School of
everyone is warmly invited to join us Easter Sunday,
Religion, I served churches in Sheridan, Willamina,
March 27th as we celebrate the triumph of God over
Jefferson, Heppner, Fossil, Joseph (all in Oregon), and
all forces of death. What a week! What a message!
Pocatello (Idaho) before coming here.
Hope to see you around town.
Pastor Craig
page 9 - 2016
from page 1 - Mayor’s Corner
We are constantly trying to improve communication
operations and maintenance while taking on work
between the City and our residents with newsletters,
from new development in Coburg.
websites and community postings. The Councilors
There are many items on the City’s wish list. The
family oriented and safe community. Information
reality is that the City has a very tight budget so the
money is hard to allocate to this wish list. A great
opportunity was found by our staff for a grant to
fund a playground upgrade in Norma Pfieffer Park. We received the grant! It requires a 10.27 percent
match, which can be “in kind”. This means hours
given by staff and volunteers can be applied to that
match. Finance Director Anne Heath is the project
manager and the Heritage Committee and the Parks/
Tree Committee have worked diligently to create a
new addition to our park valued at over $92,000! The
upgrade will have an historic theme with equipment
suited for a wider range of ages. (See article on p. 7.)
Thanks to all the Committee members and staff who
continue to echo the need to keep Coburg a small,
from our constituents is critical to our decision
making process.
As spring approaches, I look forward to a renewed
energy in our great little town. I have raised my
children here and now I watch my grandchildren
growing up here. Change can create some anxiety,
but I am excited about the future of Coburg. I will
always try to protect our comfort and safety that
gives Coburg its small town charm. But we must all
accept that Coburg must move forward with some
change to keep our small town viable for all of us.
The flower buds are bursting forth with new life
and energy. I look forward to a wonderful spring in
helped make possible this wonderful addition to our
Coburg.
city park.
Acting Mayor Ray Smith
Park/Tree Committee
The Parks/Tree Committee is a citizen volunteer group that meets once a month to discuss current and future
park issues, and to advise City Council on recommendations for improvements or other related items. We
have been involved with the new playground structure in Norma Pfeiffer Park, which is on schedule to be in
place before the end of March. Later, an historical sign will be placed near the structure and we will host a
dedication ceremony. Currently, the committee is compiling an inventory of park trees to accompany the street
tree inventory. This will provide accurate information for the committee to select types of trees to replace those
that are lost or removed due to damage or disease.
Your input is always appreciated. You will have an opportunity soon to share your input by completing a
survey, which will be sent by an intern from the University of Oregon, who is working on updating the Coburg
Parks and Open Space Master Plan.
If you are interested in joining the Parks/Tree Committee or have concerns to share, please contact:
coburgclaire@gmail.com, or Public Works.
page 10 - 2016
Calendar
STA N DI NG M EET I NGS
3rd Mondays
CCC S SC HO OL BOA R D M E E T I NG
6:00 pm
3rd Wednesdays
H E R I TAGE COM M I T T E E
6:00 pm, City Hall
Contact, Jeff Kernen, Planner 541-682-7858
3rd Mondays
ODDF E LLOW M E E T I NG
6:30 pm, I.O.O.F Hall
4th Mondays
COBURG FIRE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS
7:00 pm, Fire Hall
2nd Tuesdays
C I T Y COU NC I L
7:00 pm, Coburg
Contact, Sammy Egbert, City Recorder
541-682-7852
4th Wednesdays
G OLDE N Y E A R S M E E T I NG
7:00 pm, Coburg Community Grange
3rd Wednesdays
P L A N N I NG COM M I SSION
7:00 pm, City Hall
Contact, Petra Schuetz, Planning Director 541-682-7871
M A RC H /A P R I L EV EN TS
4th Wednesdays (or as scheduled)
C I T Y COU NC I L WOR K SE SSIONS
6:30 pm, City Hall
Contact, Sammy Egbert, City Recorder
541-682-7852
2nd Wednesdays
GR A NGE M E E T I NG
7:00 pm, Coburg Community Grange
3rd Wednesdays
PA R K S/T R E E COM M I T T E E
7:00 pm, City Hall
Contact, Bob Butler, Public Works Director
541-682-7857
3rd Wednesdays
C H A M BE R OF COM M E RC E
Noon, City Hall
1st Thursdays
M E T ROP OL I TA N P OL IC Y
COM M I T T E E
11:30 am (usually at the Eugene or
Springfield library) Contact, Petra Schuetz, City Administrator 541-682-7871
1st Fridays
P OK E R N IGH T
6:30 pm Registration, 7:00 pm Game Begins
Coburg Community Grange
Upcoming Events at CCCS:
March 3
March 7-11 March 11
March 14
March 17-Apr 8
March 18
March 21-29 March 30
April 8
April 18
April 22
April 29
Music Concert 6:30 pm @ CCCS Gym
Book Fair @CCCS Gym
Free Community Bingo @ CCCS Gym
Board Meeting 6 pm @ City Hall
Math Madness Fundraiser
No School
Spring Break/No School
Classes Resume
March Madness Event 1pm @ CCCS Gym
Board Meeting @ City Hall
Talent Show 6pm @CCCS Gym
Science Fair Open House Noon @ CCCS Gym
March 21-25 Singing Creek Center Spring Break Camp
Do you have a community event to share? Call 541-682-7852 or email sammy.egbert@ci.coburg.or.us
page 11 - 2016
Our Town
A Publication of
The City of Coburg
Coburg City Hall
91136 N. Willamette St.
PO Box 8316
Coburg, OR 97408
Phone: 541-682-7850
Fax: 541-485-0655
petra.schuetz@ci.coburg.or.us
Address Correction Requested
Questions About City Happenings?
We work for you! The City wants you to get the information you
need and care about. Currently, Our Town, the Coburg website
www.coburgoregon.org, the ‘City of Coburg, Oregon’ Facebook
page, ‘Coburg Police Department’ Facebook Page, monthly utility
bills, the Post Office (Dari-Mart), and City Hall are all places to
get information about what is happening in and around Coburg.
Council and committee meetings are also great resources.
What do you want to hear about? How do you like to get information? Let us know.
- Coburg City Staff